DNA Testing?

[morrisondna]

Thanks for the kind comments. With DNA testing as with most other things, it pays to do your homework. Most testing companies are reputable, but it helps to know what DNA test to order and what to expect from the results before placing an order for the test. There are many good surname projects that can help with this homework. Even if no such project exists for your own surname, a review of some of the other projects can let you know what to expect and what not to expect.

[bwgan ceredig]

oooh   Now I really want to do it, but hubby can't see the point, and it's too much money for me to just do it unilaterally - Oh well, never mind, perhaps by the time I retire, and if my lump sum is worth anything by then, perhaps the cost will have come down and .... , until then it's back to the census and parish records

[Grothenwell]

Perhaps Rootschat could get involved with one of the more reputable and good companies and arrange for a bulk discount for all rootschatters? They could then match us up with our closest fellow rootschatter. If they can do all of Iceland ?!?

[Romilly]

Perhaps Rootschat could get involved with one of the more reputable and good companies and arrange for a bulk discount for all rootschatters? They could then match us up with our closest fellow rootschatter. If they can do all of Iceland ?!?

Hello,

What a good idea!

I'm sure I must have some Icelandic DNA somewhere...:-)

Best Wishes, Romilly.

[runner]

 
Now wheres my Icelandic sweater?

On second thoughts the Icelandic naming system must be rather difficult to follow for genealogy!  Johnsdottir and Johnsson, Sigurdsdottir  and so on......
I would get lost by about the third generation!!!    Give me Scotlands 1st daughter maternal grandmothers name;  1st son paternal grandfathers name.... easy.

Russell

[goggy]

Fascinating stuff!My roots are already very roughly,known.
From Scandinavia,Scotland,Ireland.
From' Yurrup',Belgium,France,Spain.
From the Med;regionPhoenicia,Italy,Greece.
That,s enough to make any expert dizzy dont you think?
What puzzles me is this,combined with Forensic Science a complete life history can be re-constructed shoe size and regular diet included ;but I havent yet seen a definite age's old person definitely said to be the ancestor of a 'today's' person.
Also we now have legal argument's in the case of D.N.A being a deciciding factor,one expert contradicting another,as per usual.If two people canbe found with matching D.N.A,how many more if the search were wider?
        Time at keyboard,=increased vacuity!
                Goggy.

[smudger28]

Hi Guys

I just watched a recorded episode of Who do you think you are Colin Jackson.

Now he sent an DNA sample away for analysis.

Question is where do you do that.  I'm desperate to find out my Grandfathers history as he is part South African and for once and for all I would like to know if he is indeed made up of something else.

Thanks

Paul


Moderator Comment: topics merged

[kojak]

Do you want to know your ancestral history that pre-dates birth/marriage/census records?  Well you can with genetic testing... I dont speak as a geneticist, but as a guinea pig, who has just been tested, and in response to some encouragement from my fellow chat room members, I can report the following:-

First of all, you can get your DNA tested by any dna lab, even your own doctor will for a fee,  take a sample to be sent away for analysis.  However, as with everything, the tests can vary greatly. 

If you want to look over a very easy-to-read and understand synopsis about genetic dna testing I can recommend http://www.genebase.com

That is where I had my Y-DNA (paternal test) done and the results have blown me away !

Genebase biolabs are highly respected in the field of genetic research, based in Vancouver, Canada.  Their site provides a great look into the world of dna testing (the what, where and when).  If you want anymore info about the test or the process just leave a reply, and I shall endeavour to answer any queries.  As I said, I have been tested so I can pass on some info if you are interested.

There are two tests avaialble.  The Y-DNA (paternal test) and the MTDNA test (maternal).  To date, I have had the paternal test done and have just ordered the maternal test (after being pleased with the quality and amount of information you get for your money).  Incidentally, the website explains how much the tests cost.

I can vouch for the full 44 marker test which will provide you with a complete breakdown of your DNA.  We all apparently carry our ancestral genes with us, and by analysing saliva swab samples (taken from right and left side of the gum - where else!), genetic scientists are able to predict your ancestral heritage - and I mean ancestral.  Like 35,000 years ago ancestral !

For genebase, all you do is register your interest online,  order the kit which comes by post from Canada (to take the sample), pay for it, when kit arrives (a few days later) follow the really simple instructions (i.e. wash mouth out before taking sample, wash hands and ensure you dont contaminate the sawb - they only want the saliva!), send back in the hermitically sealed package/envelope, log on the website (using your own password) to follow the process and once complete read through, print off all the results.

And, the results are quite something.

So, what do you get for your money?

You get a DNA certificate authenticated by genetrack biolabs (genebase technologies) which outlines your individual DNA markers.

A test result report that stipulates your haplogroup (racial origin)

A prediction strength report (ranging from low, medium to strong).  If you score a low report you need to be re-tested (to ensure a good reading first time, make sure your hands and mouth are clean and that you read, follow and understand the instructions before taking the sample).

A migration map showing the route your ancestors took 35,000 years or so ago.

Access to an interactive global map to identify the locations of your modern kins folk (those that share the same 100 x Great Grandfather for example !)

And best of all, you get what we really all want from genetic testing, you get a breakdown of your ancestral origins (in percentage format).  Whether you undertake the paternal, maternal or both sides of your family line, you can find out what set percentage your origins really are.

Websites like wikipedia will give you an idea of the full range of possible ancestral origins.  Doing a genetic test will confirm what you may already believe to be true.

But beware to be surprised.

I have found out that I am 46.05% from Na-dene stock (the ancient peoples of the pacific north west) and I am 10 generations or pure Scottish blood.  The high percentage what is effectively american indian origin certainly explains the jet black hair and dark eyes (ohh and my fondness for nature and going barefoot).

I think I have rambled on enough for one post.  If anyone is interested, please dont hesitate to ask if you want to find out a little more.  I dont claim to be an expert, I'm just a guinea pig who has been freed.

I am found in the chat room from time to time, so drop by if you like.  Its a lot of fun, and you'll meet a lot of really smashing people.

Best wishes (from your barefooted 46% apache proof)

Kojak :-)


Moderator Comment: topics merged

[smudger28]

Hi Guys

Thanks Rick had a look mate and been blown away by all the kaffufle!!

LOL 

Hi Kojak, I thought you would have no hair

[explains the jet black hair and dark eyes

LOL 

Well thankyou very much for the layman termed explanation.  I have joined a DNA forum and to be honest they are blowing me away with their explanations LOL!!

I have come to the conclusion that I will need both the the Y-DNA (paternal test) and the MTDNA test (maternal).  This is because I think my Great Great Grandfather was European and his wife was of coloured descent.

I will check out the site you recommended.

Cheers

Paul